Schumacher confirms F1 retirement

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has confirmed he will retire for good at the end of current Formula One season.

Mercedes had already announced last week that Schumacher would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next season, and while there had been speculation the 43-year-old German could move to Sauber, he instead announced Thursday that he would end his career.

Schumacher holds the record for number of championships and for grand prix wins, with 91. He began his career in 1991 and won two titles with Benetton then five for Ferrari. He initially retired in 2006 but made a comeback with Mercedes in 2010.